Red terror: Maoists issue guidelines on the use of mobile phones to cadre; tell cadre how to use mobiles to spread propaganda

The document reveals that WhatsApp and mobile phones are to be used in the Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Confluence zone.

Maoist cadre has been told to access the internet with great caution. (Source: AP)

A 25-page document recovered from Maoists by Chhattisgarh Police after an encounter reveals that the Maoist leadership in the state has issued instructions to the cadre on the use of mobile phones. The document recovered by the police in April reveals that cadre up to the level of divisional commanders have now been allowed to use mobile phones and tablets for easy access to reading material. The document also reveals that the Maoists are also planning to expand their zone of operations along the western borders of the state, from Gondia in Maharashtra to Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, according to an Indian Express report.

Apart from issuing guidelines such as store important documents in memory cards, do not access websites on the radar of Intelligence agencies and don’t carry mobile phones with SIM cards the document also reveals the propaganda strategy of the Maoists, IE reported.

Under a section of the document titled ‘The spread of propaganda’, the document states that propaganda activities are to be carried out through pamphlets, banners, posters, statements and through mobile phones and WhatsApp. The document reveals that WhatsApp and mobile phones are to be used in the Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Confluence zone.

Maoist cadre has been told to access the internet with great caution, so as not to reveal their identity. The document tells the cadre that their smartphones can be detected through GPS. The cadre has also been told that their locations will be revealed if they use their phones to download data, IE reported.

Senior Chhattisgarh Police officers, who have gone through the document, have told the Indian Express that documents reveal the strategy and strength of the Maoists. The police officials also told the Maoists that it would be difficult to capture documents stored in memory cards as they can only be found when a Maoist is captured.